Zabalam
Tell Ibzeikh · Zabala · Zabalam (Ibzeikh)
ED to Ur III (c.3000–2004 BCE; peak Shara temple)·Sumerian (Zabalam, Shara cult) → Akkadian → Ur III·🇮🇶 Wasit Governorate, S Iraq, Iraq
About
About Zabalam
Zabalam (Tell Ibzeikh) is the cult city of goddess Inanna of Zabalam (later Shara). Excavated by Iraqi team revealing Shara temple platform (EB), ED houses and Ur III administrative tablets linked to Drehem livestock network.
Why it mattersShara/Inanna-Zabalam cult; ED temple.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Shara vs Inanna syncretism?
Theories
- 01Inanna-Zabalam hypostasis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3200 BCE
- Period
- ED to Ur III (c.3000–2004 BCE; peak Shara temple)
- Culture
- Sumerian (Zabalam, Shara cult) → Akkadian → Ur III
- Builders
- Lugal-... of Zabalam
- Purpose
- Settlement and ceremonial centre
- Abandoned
- c.2004 BCE
- Rediscovered
- 1900s (Loftus)
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.3200 BCE
Sumerian Zabalam founded
c.2600 BCE
Shara temple built
1990s
Iraqi Shara platform excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
31.7400° N · 45.8800° E · 15 m · 3 mapped features
Shara Temple Platform
templeED Shara temple platform with votive vessels
31.7403° N · 45.8802° EUr III Archive Building
archiveTablets linked to Puzrish-Dagan livestock
31.7405° N · 45.8796° ESumerian Residential Quarter
settlementED houses with sealings
31.7396° N · 45.8805° E